According to recent financial data, China has just elbowed Japan out of the way as the second richest economy on earth.
Is China's relentless economic growth, and its emergence as a powerhouse in the world, a warning sign to the West? It has modernized its military and adopted a more assertive approach to its neighbours--both near and far. Within 15-20 years, most analysts predict China will overtake the US as the world's richest economy. Great riches mean great political power--in the sense that they can use their money to create political favours, just as other great powers have done in the past.
My own feelings are that China is going to want to impose its power onto other countries. But how? Giving money only works with poorer countries. What happens when they come up against a richer country? Some analysts argue that China will inevitably pose a threat to peace and security in the Asia Pacific region. I would go further. I believe the next great war will involve China.
No country likes to be knocked off its No 1 spot as world leader; but in a few short years, America will no longer be in the enviable position as the world's only superpower. It may not even be a superpower by then--it already owes China trillions of dollars, with it's total debt repayment running at a crippling $46 billion a day. That's a lot of hamburgers.
Will America accept being No 2--especially to a non Anglo-Saxon country who don't even speak their language? My instincts say no. They would feel humiliated. Kings never like to be de-throned at the best of times--but to a race of people who don't even use knifes and forks?--I doubt it. Just look at history. No country or leader has ever given away power freely.
Power must always be taken--usually by force.
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